U.S. patent application number 17/827949 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-15 for motion-assist footwear comprising a force translator.
This patent application is currently assigned to FAST IP, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is FAST IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Craig Cheney.
Application Number | 20220287405 17/827949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006421165 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220287405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheney; Craig |
September 15, 2022 |
MOTION-ASSIST FOOTWEAR COMPRISING A FORCE TRANSLATOR
Abstract
A motion-assist shoe having a force translator with a dynamic
portion comprised of a resiliently deformable material and
configured to bias a rearward portion of a sole portion of the shoe
upward relative to a forward portion of the sole portion.
Inventors: |
Cheney; Craig; (Lindon,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FAST IP, LLC |
Lindon |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FAST IP, LLC
Lindon
UT
|
Family ID: |
1000006421165 |
Appl. No.: |
17/827949 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US21/60404 |
Nov 22, 2021 |
|
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17827949 |
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63116379 |
Nov 20, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 3/00 20130101; A61H
2201/164 20130101; A43B 7/20 20130101; A61H 2201/14 20130101; A61H
1/0266 20130101; A61H 2003/007 20130101; A61H 2201/165
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/20 20060101
A43B007/20; A61H 3/00 20060101 A61H003/00; A61H 1/02 20060101
A61H001/02 |
Claims
1. A motion-assist shoe comprising: an upper; a sole portion
coupled to the upper, the sole portion comprising a forward portion
and a rearward portion; and a force translator comprising a base
portion and a leg portion, the base portion and the leg portion
coupled by a dynamic portion; wherein the base portion is coupled
to the sole portion; wherein the leg portion is configured to
contact, and conform to, a leg above an ankle of a user of the
shoe; wherein the shoe comprises a stressed configuration and an
unstressed configuration; wherein, in the stressed configuration,
the base portion and the leg portion are substantially
perpendicular relative to each other; wherein, in the unstressed
configuration, the base portion and the leg portion are no longer
substantially perpendicular relative to each other; and wherein the
dynamic portion is configured to bias the shoe toward the
unstressed configuration to thereby bias the rearward portion
upward relative to the forward portion; wherein the dynamic portion
is comprised of a resiliently deformable material; wherein the
dynamic portion is comprised of an s-spring, and the leg portion is
configured to contact, and conform to a shin of a user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of, claims priority to
and the benefit of PCT Serial No. PCT/US21/60404 filed Nov. 22,
2021 and entitled "MOTION-ASSIST FOOTWEAR COMPRISING A FORCE
TRANSLATOR." PCT Serial No. PCT/US21/60404 claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/116,379, filed Nov. 20,
2020 and entitled "MOTION-ASSIST FOOTWEAR COMPRISING A FORCE
TRANSLATOR." All of the aforementioned applications are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more
particularly to motion-assist footwear comprising a force
translator.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There is an ever-increasing need to enhance the performance
characteristics of footwear. The present disclosure addresses this
need.
SUMMARY
[0004] A motion-assist shoe in accordance with example embodiments
of the present disclosure comprises an upper, a sole portion
coupled to the upper, and a force translator comprising a base
portion and a leg portion coupled by a dynamic portion. In example
embodiments the base portion is coupled to the sole portion. In
example embodiments the leg portion is configured to contact, and
conform to, a leg above an ankle of a user of the shoe.
[0005] In example embodiments, the shoe comprises a stressed
configuration in which the base portion and the leg portion are
substantially perpendicular relative to each other.
[0006] In example embodiments, the shoe comprises an unstressed
configuration in which the base portion and the leg portion are not
substantially perpendicular relative to each other.
[0007] In example embodiments the dynamic portion is configured to
bias the shoe toward the unstressed configuration to thereby bias a
rearward portion of the sole portion upward relative to a forward
portion of the sole portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings may provide a further
understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure and
are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification.
In the accompanying drawings, only one motion-assist shoe (either a
left shoe or a right shoe) may be illustrated, however, it should
be understood that in such instances, the illustrated shoe may be
mirror-imaged so as to be the other shoe. The use of like reference
numerals throughout the accompanying drawings is for convenience
only, and should not be construed as implying that any of the
illustrated embodiments are equivalent. The accompanying drawings
are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.
[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate side views of an example
embodiment of a motion-assist shoe, in stressed and unstressed
configurations, respectively, wherein the force translator contacts
the shin;
[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views of an example
embodiment of a motion-assist shoe, in stressed and unstressed
configurations, respectively, wherein the force translator contacts
the calf;
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate front views of example embodiments of
a force translator of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates side views of another example embodiment
of a motion-assist shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described
in sufficient detail in this detailed description to enable persons
having ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the present
disclosure, however, it should be understood that other embodiments
may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be
made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
disclosure. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of
illustration and not of limitation.
[0014] For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, example
embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments
described herein. Similarly, references to "example embodiment,"
"example embodiments" and the like indicate that the embodiment(s)
described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such references may not necessarily refer to the same
embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural
embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular
embodiments.
[0015] Any reference to coupled, connected, attached or the like
may be temporary or permanent, removeable or not, non-integral or
integral, partial or full, and may be facilitated by one or more of
adhesives, stitches, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips,
grommets, zippers and other means known in the art or hereinafter
developed.
[0016] As used herein, the transitional term "comprising", which is
synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by,"
is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional,
unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase
"consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not
specified in the claim. The transitional phrase "consisting
essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the specified
materials or steps "and those that do not materially affect the
basic and novel characteristic(s)" of the claimed invention.
[0017] No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f)
or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph or the like unless it
explicitly uses the term "means" and includes functional
language.
[0018] In describing example embodiments of the motion-assist
footwear, certain directional terms may be used. By way of example,
terms such as "right," "left," "medial," "lateral," "front,"
"back," "forward," "backward," "rearward," "top," "bottom,"
"upper," "lower," "up," "down," and the like may be used to
describe example embodiments of the motion-assist footwear. These
terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the
motion-assist footwear is most typically designed for use, with the
motion-assist footwear on a user's foot and with the user's shod
foot disposed on or ready for placement on an underlying surface.
Thus, these directions may be understood relative to the
motion-assist footwear in such use. Similarly, as the motion-assist
footwear is intended primarily for use as footwear, terms such as
"inner," "inward," "outer," "outward," "innermost," "outermost,"
"inside," "outside," and the like should be understood in reference
to the motion-assist footwear's intended use, such that inner,
inward, innermost, inside, and the like signify relatively closer
to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outside, and the
like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the
motion-assist footwear is being used for its intended purpose.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitional
guidance is contradicted by an individual use herein of any of the
foregoing terms, the term should be understood and read according
to the definition that gives life and meaning to the particular
instance of the term.
[0019] As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, a
"sole portion" of a motion-assist shoe refers to an outsole or
portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or
portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, or other suitable
structure disposed between and/or adjacent to the foregoing parts
of a motion-assist shoe, for example, an insole or an internal
cushion.
[0020] A motion-assist shoe in accordance with the present
disclosure can be configured to augment or replicate a calf muscle
at both shoe surface impact as well as shoe lift off, to thereby
bias a shoe rearward portion upward relative to a shoe forward
portion. A motion-assist shoe in accordance with the present
disclosure may have particular utility in connection with a running
shoe.
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, a motion-assist
shoe 100 in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an
upper 101. A motion-assist shoe in accordance with the present
disclosure further comprises a sole portion 102 coupled to the
upper 101, the sole portion 102 comprising a forward portion (i.e.,
toward a forward most end of the motion-assist shoe 100) and a
rearward portion (i.e., toward a rearward most end of the
motion-assist shoe 100). In some embodiments, the rearward portion
can be configured to be coterminous with a rearward most portion of
the upper 101, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B). In other
embodiments, the rearward portion can be configured to extend
rearward beyond a rearward most portion of the upper 101, e.g., as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B).
[0022] A motion-assist shoe 100 in accordance with the present
disclosure still further comprises a force translator 110
comprising a base portion 112 and a leg portion 116 (e.g.,
extending vertically when the motion-assist shoe 100 is in a
stressed configuration, as described below). In example
embodiments, the base portion 112 and the leg portion 116 are
coupled by a dynamic portion 114.
[0023] In example embodiments, the base portion 112, the leg
portion 116 and the dynamic portion 114 are integral or unitary,
while the dynamic portion retains at least one material property
different from a corresponding material property of one or both the
base portion and the leg portion. For example, the cross section of
the dynamic portion 114 can be different (e.g., smaller, notched,
grooved, perforated, twisted) than the cross section of the base
portion 112 and/or the leg portion 116. For example, the force
translator 110 can have a ribbon profile wherein the ribbon profile
is twisted in the dynamic portion 114 (but not twisted or
differently twisted in the base portion 112 and the leg portion
116) to permit resilient deformation of the dynamic portion 114
(but not in the base portion 112 and the leg portion 116, or to a
lesser extent). Heat treating can also impart different
characteristics to the dynamic portion 114.
[0024] A dynamic portion 114 can comprise a resiliently deformable
material such as a spring, an s-spring, a shape-memory material or
a stretch material (e.g., elastic). In example embodiments, the
force translator 110 comprises a carbon fiber blade. In example
embodiments, the force translator 110 transcends the ankle (and
translates a force from below the ankle to above the ankle) but
also allows the ankle to move and rotate. In this regard, in
example embodiments, a motion-assist shoe 100 can comprise a point
of rotation defined by an ankle. Additionally, in example
embodiments the dynamic portion 114 of the force translator 110 is
not directly coupled to any portion of the motion-assist shoe 100
nor is it configured to directly contact a foot, ankle or leg of a
user of the motion-assist shoe 100. In this regard, FIGS. 3A-3H
illustrate front views of example embodiments of a force translator
of the present disclosure (although it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that the illustrated angles may be dampened for
resilience (e.g., elimination of hot spots, stress and strain
distribution), manufacturability (e.g., molding) and/or
comfort).
[0025] In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the base portion 112 of the force translator 110 is
coupled to the sole portion 102 (e.g., coupled to a side or
embedded within the sole portion 102).
[0026] In accordance with some example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the base portion 112 is coupled to a single side of the
sole portion 102 (e.g., a lateral side or a medial side of the sole
portion 102). In such embodiments, and with momentary reference to
FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dynamic portion 114 can comprise an L shape
with the leg portion 116 or comprise another angle or similar curve
measured from the leg portion 116 to a lateral side or a medial
side of the sole portion 102).
[0027] In accordance with other example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the base portion 112 is coupled to both a lateral side
and a medial side of the sole portion 102. In such embodiments, and
with momentary reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the dynamic portion
114 can comprise a Y or T shape with the leg portion 116 or
comprise another angle or similar curve measured from the leg
portion 116 to two separate and distinct base portions 112 (one on
or embedded within a lateral side and one on or embedded within a
medial side of the sole portion 102).
[0028] In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the base portion 112 can be coupled to the sole portion
under the footbed of the motion-assist shoe 100. For example, and
with momentary reference to FIGS. 3E and 3F, the base portion can
comprise an L shape or other angle or similar curve such that the
base portion 112 extends from a side of the sole portion to under
the footbed. In embodiments having two separate and distinct base
portions 112, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 3G and 3H, each
base portion 112 can comprise an L shape or other angle or similar
curve to extend under the footbed.
[0029] In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the leg portion 116 of the force translator 110 is
configured to contact, and conform to, a leg above an ankle of a
user of the motion-assist shoe 100.
[0030] As an example, and with specific reference to FIGS. 1A and
1B, the leg portion 116 of the force translator 110 can be
configured to contact, and conform to, a shin (e.g., at a shin pad
to provide comfort to the user). In such embodiments, leg portion
can be rounded or curved to conform to a shin. In such embodiments,
dynamic portion 114 can be comprised of a resiliently deformable
material such as a spring, an s-spring or a shape-memory
material.
[0031] As another example, and with specific reference to FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the leg portion 116 of the force translator 110 can be
configured to contact, and conform to, a calf (e.g., secured with a
strap extending circumferentially around a leg). In such
embodiments, leg portion can be rounded or curved to conform to a
calf. In such embodiments, dynamic portion 114 can be comprised of
a resiliently deformable material such as a stretch material that
elongates (and is configured to draw the base portion 112 and the
leg portion 116 toward one another when the motion-assist shoe 100
is in a stressed configuration, as described below).
[0032] Another example embodiment of a motion-assist shoe 100 is
described with reference to FIG. 4. Motion-assist shoe 100
comprises a force translator 110 having a base portion 112 and a
leg portion 116, the base portion 112 and the leg portion 116
coupled by a dynamic portion 114. Motion-assist shoe 100 further
comprises a semi-rigid shin pad 120 (e.g., to provide a resistance
force against the shin) with a calf cuff 130 (e.g., to provide a
pulling force on the calf). In the illustrated embodiments, the
sole portion 102 has a curved profile (e.g., curved bottom surface)
and the base portion 112 has a corresponding curved profile.
[0033] In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the motion-assist shoe 100 comprises a stressed
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1A and 2A) and an unstressed
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3). In accordance with
example embodiments of the present disclosure, in the stressed
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1A and 2A), the base portion 112 and the
leg portion 116 are substantially perpendicular relative to each
other. In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, in the unstressed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1B, 2B and
3), the base portion 112 and the leg portion 116 are not
substantially perpendicular relative to each other, e.g., are
substantially parallel relative to each (or within 45, 30 or 15
degrees of being parallel to each other), albeit other along
different axes.
[0034] In accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure, the dynamic portion 114 of the force translator 110 is
configured to bias the motion-assist shoe 100 toward the unstressed
configuration to thereby bias the rearward portion upward relative
to the forward portion. More specifically, in the stressed
configuration, potential energy stored in the dynamic portion can
urge the force translator 110 toward the unstressed configuration.
In this regard, the motion-assist shoe 100 can be configured to
augment or replicate a calf muscle at both shoe surface impact as
well as shoe lift off, and thereby assist motion of the user and/or
dampen impact during motion.
[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus,
it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the
modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0036] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth
in the preceding description, including various alternatives
together with details of the structure and function of the devices
and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and
as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to
those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made,
especially in matters of structure, materials, elements,
components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including
combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full
extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in
which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these
various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed
therein.
* * * * *